VXUS vs XLVI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XLVI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 10.53% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 8 | |
| YTD Return | +15.00% | +8.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.87% | +25.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 9.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -8.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VXUS vs XLVI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLVI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.87% while XLVI returned +25.15%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.00% versus a gain of 8.59% for XLVI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.9% for XLVI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -39.9% for VXUS and -8.1% for XLVI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLVI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 10.53% for XLVI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLVI share 0 holdings out of 7862 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XLVI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLVI charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XLVI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.87% vs +25.15% for XLVI, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.88% vs +22.03% for XLVI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLVI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.9% for XLVI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLVI -8.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLVI?
VXUS and XLVI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLVI?
VXUS and XLVI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLVI?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLVI yields 10.53%, so XLVI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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